MP Brian Masse has started a petition and letter-writing campaign to get the bill to establish the Ojibway National Urban Park over the finish line.
It's been almost a year since his private member's bill passed the third reading in the House of Commons.
"Since then, the bill has been sitting in the Senate, without movement,” said Masse. “It’s clear that our community backs this legislation, and we need everyone to help us get this bill passed through second reading and into Committee.”
Parks Canada has already started the process to establish the park. The park has passed the pre-feasibility phase and is in the planning stage. Last week, Parks Canada and Caldwell First Nation signed a memorandum of understanding to create a shared governance and collaborative management model for the creation of the park.
While Parks Canada is planning to establish the park, Masse's PMB would legislate the designation of the land.
“This is about our community fighting to protect one of the most unique ecosystems in the country. We need everyone who wants to see this park through, to help us by signing the petition or sending a letter to the Senate to show them that we want to see this legislation through and create an urban park that can not only protect our endangered species but promote ecotourism and remain a healthy greenspace for the community to experience in the long term,” stated Masse.
The petition and letter can be found on Masse's website.